BPI-3016, a novel long-acting hGLP-1 analogue for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues have been commonly used as add-on medications for patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Currently, the development of long-acting GLP-1 analogues which allow the freedom and flexibility of once-weekly injections while maintaining their potency for a relatively long period has become the mainstream. Here, we successfully developed a long-acting human GLP-1(7-37) analogue (BPI-3016) with significantly extended half-life and increased resistance to dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) cleavage by structural modifications of human GLP-1. In vitro activity of BPI-3016 including GLP-1 receptor affinity and stimulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production was measured. In vivo activity of BPI-3016 such as its effects on glycemic control, β-cell mass and body weight was evaluated in ob/ob mice, db/db mice, and spontaneous diabetic cynomolgus monkeys. The results indicated that BPI-3016 preserved receptor affinity to GLP receptors, and was capable of stimulating cAMP production. In in vivo pharmacokinetic study, the half-life of BPI-3016 was more than 95h after single dosing in diabetic cynomolgus monkeys. Also, BPI-3016 reduced fasting and post-prandial plasma glucose levels for up to a week after a single dose; It reduced body mass index (BMI), body fat, improved glucose tolerance and showed insulinotropic effects after once-weekly injection for 7 weeks. In conclusion, BPI-3016 retains the effects of GLP-1 with significantly prolonged half-life, making it a promising therapy for type 2 diabetes with once-weekly treatment in the clinic.